Hurley Vineyard Pinot Noir 'Garamond' 2021

At Hurley, Kevin & Tricia are immersed in the task of showcasing what their 3 differing single vineyard plots or climates can express from their estate in Balnarring, perched on a crest of volcanic red clay covered by a topsoil of stony red-brown clay loam. Burgundy clearly inspired them to this endeavour, not to mimic the wines from the Cote d’Or in terms of taste but the ethos of single site expressions, terroir driven wines. Planted in 1998 and 1999 the estate has 3.43 hectares of Pinot Noir across 3 clearly defined climates. Lodestone, Hommage and Garamond.

Garamond is East facing and the last to be picked each year albeit in 2021 the last parcel of Hommage was picked on the same day. It’s the coolest site given its exposure and is protected from the prevailing winds from south west and west coming across the valley behind the estate. All planted with MV6 Clone. Always the most sought after and highly regarded wine from the Estate. 

The fruit was harvested by hand on 18 March 2021, fermented under the action of indigenous yeasts, basket pressed after twenty-one days in vat and bottled in November 2022 after twenty months in barrel (one quarter new).

More like garnet. This has an intensely fragrant nose of flowers, raspberries, black cherries and the forest floor. Medium bodied but more structured than its siblings, the palate experience is one of ripe (not overripe) red cherries, currents and red plums. The tannins are silky and powdery. The finish is ultra-long and persistent, flaring at the back of the palate. This is elegantly framed, very layered and packed with detail. Drink To 2041.